Makedonikon
Makedonikon combines architectural motifs.
Modern and Contemporary era (1912 - )
1917 The Savings and Credit Union of Freemasons "Philippos" was founded, which united the then scattered Masonic halls of the city and the building was built on its initiative.
1932 Its construction began, based on designs by Giorgos Manousos and Simeon Mylonas.
1935 Completed in parts.
Ottoman era (1453- 1912)
Byzantine era (331 AC- 1453)
Roman era (30 BC- 330 AC)
Hellenistic era (322- 31 BC)
Classical era (478-323 BC)
Archaic era (800-479 BC)
Geometric era (-1100- 800 BC)
Prehistory (-1100 BC)
What I can see
This building is the city’s Masonic Hall and is the place of the Masonic Lodge’s activities. In addition, it also houses the “Makedonikon” movie theatre. It is an eclectic building with strong art deco elements. The vertical linear openings with metal ribs reinforce the vertical axis, thus making the building more imposing. The lighthouse on the west side is a distinctive symbol of the Masonic Lodge. The building was damaged in the earthquakes of 1978, but was restored soon after.
What I can't see
The part of the building that houses the Lodge consists of two large halls. Their decoration is very rich, full of ancient Greek and medieval symbols. In the first room, there is a statue that symbolizes the 3 Masonic degrees: student-partner-master. In this space, there are many relics, medals, inscriptions, chandeliers, mirrors, luxurious wooden structures, works of art, symbolic numbers and images of famous personalities in Greece. In the second – more impressive – room, the furniture is luxurious, there is an inscription with the motto of the French Revolution (Liberty-Equality-Fraternity), capitals, bookcases and the bright colours on the walls are an art nouveau reference. The attention, however, is drawn by the starry sky with the constellations and the zodiac circle around the dome, made of stained glass. During the German Occupation (WWII), the building was looted, damaged and the occupiers burned books.
Info
- Address: 44 Filikis Eterias St.
Bibliography
Field observation by scientific editors
Taxidou Ε., (2019), Μπήκαμε ίσως στο πιο «κλειστό» μέχρι χθες κτίριο της Θεσσαλονίκης, [We entered perhaps the most “closed” building in Thessaloniki until yesterday] in Parallaxi,
https://parallaximag.gr/thessaloniki-news/mpikame-isos-sto-pio-kleisto-mechri-chthes-ktirio-tis-thessalonikis
Last visit 1/8/2023
